Fresno

Last week, I took the kids out to Fresno, California (or F-Town, as my brother Steve calls it) to visit my friend Jamie and her family.

In order to keep this posting positive, I will not mention how it went with me flying as the sole parent with my two kids. I will leave it at this...
Red-eye flights + tired kids who refuse to sleep + airline delays and missed flights = Grumpy Kira.



Once we arrived in good old F-Town, the fun never ceased! Jamie has four boys and this was the first time we got our kids together. Zoie was in heaven. She spent the whole week following the two older boys (Dax, 7 and Duncan, 4) around and fighting with Nash, who is almost 2. We spent time at the park and Chuck E Cheese and took all the kids to the Fresno State Farm to see the animals.








Jamie's youngest boy Titan is about a month younger than Tobin. The pictures are hilarious because Tobin is tremendously large for his age and Titan is quite small. They were so fun to watch.






Jamie and I did all the fun girly stuff we love to do. Thanks to her husband Logan (who had no problem watching 6 kids!) we were able to get facials, pedicures, go shopping, and of course, go out to eat!

Logan and Jamie have such a great family. It was one of the funnest (I know-- not really a word) vacations we have ever had. We were sorry that Lance had to stay behind to work. And sad that the third part of our "3 Musketeers", Jenny couldn't make it.

My absolute favorite part of the trip was spending so much time with Jamie. We have the best time talking about old memories and EVERYTHING. I probably laugh more with her than anybody.

Thanks, Lawrences! We love you guys!

Best Friends

One of the things I am most proud of in my life is I have had the same best friends for nearly twenty years-- and we are still BEST friends. Jennifer, Jamie, and I have been through so much together.

We were a regular sight at Tampa Bay Lightning games, at the Bloomingdale McDonalds...and consequently, the gym. We survived high school together, worked together, been on double and triple dates, and have been the maids of honor at each other's weddings. We have taken vacations and been on MTV together. We have gotten into trouble together and talked our way out of trouble. We have thrown bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and baby showers for each other.

In all the years we have been friends, we have yet to argue, fight, or gossip about each other. (Well, that is until I used the black and white picture at the top of this post. Every time Jen comes over, she hides that particular pic.) We have one of those rare friendships that easily stands not only the test of time, but also distance.



These two girls have really helped to shape me into who I am today (Its all your fault, guys!) All three of us are so different-- Jen is clever and successful and self-deprecating. Jamie is sincere, stylish, and is always ready to laugh. I am just lucky they let me hang out with them. Thanks guys! I love you!

Day at the Beach

One more beach day with friends. Enjoy the pictures (and please forgive me for putting in the Chubby Kira pic)!

Good-Bye Summer

It is now officially Fall, so I thought I would bid adieu to the Florida summer. Goodbye Summer. You were too hot. Try to be more pleasant next year.

Despite the heat, we had fun. We had trips to the beach, a lot of dips in the pool, and even some playing in the sprinklers. We will remember summer every time we see our tan lines.





















Welcome Fall! This time of year, I always miss Utah. I miss the breeze and the changing leaves. Sometimes I even miss boots and sweaters-- sometimes (I am and always will be a flip-flop and t-shirt girl).

However, there is nothing like winter in Florida. Its awesome!!! I can run every day at any time. I can still lay out and get a tan. I can wear t-shirts and flip-flops. I can take my kids to the park every day. There is neither fainting from heat nor bundling up from the cold. I can go to Busch Gardens. If you haven't experienced Florida between the months of November and March, come visit!! And bring your flip-flops!